Why the Latest Windows Update is Causing Streaming Nightmares
The August 2025 Windows security updates have triggered significant issues for users engaged in live streaming and video production. Most importantly, the problems stem from the updates KB5063878 for Windows 11 (24H2) and KB5063709 for Windows 10 (21H2/22H2). Because these patches alter how the operating system manages multimedia data, users are experiencing severe lag, stuttering, and audio/video synchronization issues. This disruption significantly impacts those relying on popular applications like OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and NDI Tools.
Furthermore, the change in the handling of the default Reliable User Datagram Protocol (RUDP) has exacerbated the problem. Therefore, many have reported issues ranging from choppy feeds to complete stream interruptions, largely due to the update’s interference with the core functionalities of NDI streaming. Besides that, some users have encountered problems even during simpler operations, such as when using the ‘Display Capture’ feature. This has prompted quick responses from tech communities and support teams, as detailed in recent reports and updates on Microsoft’s official release health pages [4].
Who is Impacted by This Streaming Issue?
This problem predominantly affects users on Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2. Because the affected systems rely on NDI to transfer high-definition audio and video feeds between devices, the disruption is significant for content creators and professional streaming teams alike.
In addition, even ordinary users who utilize streaming in community events or remote collaborations have faced issues. Most importantly, these disruptions occur irrespective of the system’s processing power. Whether streaming a casual gaming session or a professional broadcast, the update’s unintended consequences have become a significant barrier to maintaining uninterrupted streams, as confirmed by sources like Windows Latest and Microsoft’s official documentation on release health.
Understanding the Technical Details
At the core of the issue is how the Windows update modifies the handling of network protocols intended for real-time streaming. Because the default NDI transport uses RUDP—designed to combine the low latency of UDP with some reliability of TCP—the change has inadvertently reduced streaming performance. Most importantly, Microsoft’s update inadvertently shifts the expected behavior of RUDP, leading to data packet delays and synchronization issues, as discussed in The Register.
Because of these technical alterations, it is now recommended that users temporarily switch their NDI Receive Mode to TCP or UDP. This workaround bypasses the problematic RUDP mode and restores stable performance. Therefore, while this is merely a temporary fix, it provides significant relief for those experiencing critical streaming disruptions. Detailed guidelines are available as part of NDI’s support documentation.
Recognizing the Symptoms of the Issue
Users have observed several clear indicators of the disruption caused by the update. Most notably, severe audio and video stuttering, frequent lags during live streams, and choppy feeds that are out of sync between source and destination are common problems. These symptoms tend to appear immediately after installing the August 2025 updates.
Additionally, the issue becomes more pronounced when features like Display Capture in OBS are activated. Because of this, even systems operating under optimal conditions may experience performance degradation. Transitioning to an alternative protocol or adjusting capture settings is a common practice recommended in technical forums and official troubleshooting articles.
User Experiences and Community Workarounds
Feedback from various user communities, including GitHub and the Windows Feedback Hub, confirms that uninstalling the problematic updates (KB5063878 or KB5063709) often resolves the issue temporarily. Most importantly, however, this approach is not viable for long-term use because it subjects PCs to potential security vulnerabilities. As reported on Windows Latest, some users have seen temporary fixes that allow for smoother streaming, but these come at a cost.
Because users dependent on advanced streaming setups (such as those using plugins like DistroAV for multi-PC streaming) are more heavily impacted, many have reached out for longer-term solutions. Community experts advise combining temporary workarounds with continuous monitoring of future updates from Microsoft’s release health pages. This dual approach helps mitigate risks while awaiting an official fix.
Microsoft and NDI’s Official Guidance
Microsoft and the NDI team have acknowledged the issue and are actively investigating its root cause. In their guidance, they recommend switching the NDI protocol to TCP or UDP until a permanent patch is available. Most importantly, this measure reduces the unexpected disruptions associated with RUDP and provides immediate relief.
In addition, both parties advise users against uninstalling essential security updates to avoid exposing their systems to vulnerabilities. Because the balance between performance and security is crucial, Microsoft has advised keeping systems updated and monitoring the issue’s progress on official channels such as the Windows 10 release health page and its Windows 11 counterpart. Detailed steps and advice can also be found in official documents provided by both Microsoft and NDI support.
Practical Steps If You’re Affected
For users experiencing these streaming issues, several practical steps are recommended to help alleviate the symptoms. Most importantly, open your NDI receiving software and locate the settings related to the Receive Mode. Because switching the protocol from RUDP to TCP or UDP has been proven effective, it should be your first troubleshooting step. This method has already helped many overcome the lag and synchronisation problems.
Moreover, if you continue to encounter unsatisfactory performance and rely on uninterrupted streams, consider carefully delaying subsequent Windows updates. However, this measure should be balanced against the risk of security vulnerabilities. Therefore, avoid a permanent rollback; instead, use it as a stop-gap measure until Microsoft releases a better update addressing the issue.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
In a world where video production and remote content delivery are increasingly vital, it is essential for operating system updates to not disrupt established workflows. Because both industry professionals and hobbyists depend on reliable streaming solutions, Microsoft and the NDI team are under pressure to remedy this situation promptly. Most importantly, the communication lines between tech support and users are expected to remain open until a stable fix is implemented.
Besides that, this incident underlines the need for robust backup protocols and contingency plans in every technical setup. Because security and performance need to evolve simultaneously, affected users are strongly encouraged to stay informed by regularly reviewing updates on platforms such as Microsoft’s Release Health page. This proactive approach ensures you can act swiftly should similar issues arise in the future.
References and Further Reading
For additional details on the incident and the ongoing investigation, please refer to the following reliable sources:
- BleepingComputer: Microsoft August Windows updates cause severe NDI streaming issues
- Windows Latest: Microsoft admits Windows 11 KB5063878 streaming bug
- Microsoft Documentation: Windows 10, version 22H2 known issues
- Microsoft Documentation: Windows 11, version 24H2 known issues
- The Register: Microsoft admits that Windows and NDI are not getting along
